How To Properly Structure Your CV and LinkedIn Profile for Your First Tech Job

At ReCreaX, we believe in the power of knowledge sharing. Our monthly Knowledge Sharing Sessions (KSS) have become a cornerstone of our culture, bringing raw insights to our team on diverse topics. Recently, we extended this enriching experience to our community members on Slack, and we're excited to share the highlights of our third session with you.

On August 10, we addressed a crucial need in the tech community: how to structure your CV and LinkedIn profile to effectively showcase your skills and land your dream job. We were fortunate to have an experienced HR professional who has successfully transitioned into tech and is now based in Canada, as our special guest.

Our guest speaker emphasized a fundamental truth: crafting a compelling CV and enhancing your LinkedIn profile is the perfect recipe for landing your first job in tech. Let's look into the insights he shared.

Understanding the Recruitment Process

Before the specifics, it's crucial to shift your perspective on the recruitment process:

• Recruiters want to fill positions. Contrary to popular belief, recruiters aren't working against you. Their goal is to fill open roles quickly and efficiently. Your well-crafted application makes their job easier.

• Competition is fierce. Open positions often receive hundreds of applications. This volume can lead to "resume fatigue" among recruiters, making it crucial for your application to stand out.

Crafting a Catchy Resume

To distinguish your resume from the hundreds of others, focus on three key elements:

1. Structure
2. Format
3. Content

These three components work together to make your resume not just readable, but memorable. Let's break down how to optimize each.

Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use ATS platforms to screen resumes before they reach human eyes. These systems scan for keywords and key phrases relevant to the job description. To increase your chances of getting past this initial screening:

• Ensure proper formatting
• Include relevant keywords (technical skills, soft skills, professional experience)
• Structure your resume to highlight key information on the first page

Maximize Your First Page

Your resume's first page is prime real estate. Use it wisely to capture the recruiter's attention:

• Professional summary
• Technical skills
• Highlight of professional experience
• Education and certifications

By front-loading this crucial information, you increase your chances of making it to the interview stage.

Quantify Your Achievements

Instead of simply listing job requirements or responsibilities, focus on your achievements:

• Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your impact
• Highlight specific projects and their outcomes
• Tailor your experiences to fit the job you're applying for

For example, instead of saying "Worked on improving website performance," you could say "Optimized website loading time, resulting in a 40% increase in user engagement and a 25% reduction in bounce rate."

LinkedIn Optimization: Your Digital Professional Presence

Your LinkedIn profile is often a recruiter's second stop after your resume. Ensure it reinforces and expands upon the information in your CV:

• Consistency is key: Ensure your work experience on LinkedIn matches your resume. Discrepancies can raise red flags for recruiters.
• Showcase your skills: Utilize all 50 skill slots LinkedIn provides. Get endorsements for both technical and soft skills from colleagues and mentors.
• Request recommendations: Seek recommendations from mentors, peers, and supervisors. These provide social proof of your abilities and work ethic.
• Engage with your network: Regularly post updates, share industry insights, and interact with others' content to increase your visibility.

Action Steps for Optimizing Your CV and LinkedIn Profile

• Restructure your resume to highlight key information on the first page
• Quantify your achievements using specific metrics and outcomes
• Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile for each job application
• Seek endorsements and recommendations on LinkedIn
• Regularly update and engage with your LinkedIn network

Remember, your CV and LinkedIn profile are your professional story. Make them compelling, authentic, and tailored to the tech roles you're pursuing. With these strategies, you're well on your way to landing your first job in tech.

At ReCreaX, we're committed to supporting your journey in the tech industry. Stay tuned for more insights from our Knowledge Sharing Sessions, and don't hesitate to join our community to be part of our next KSS.?

Here's to your success in tech!